Scholarships at BC3

Many scholarships consider financial need, so complete your FAFSA to maximize your eligibility.

You must apply to BC3 and register for fall semester classes before applying.

Complete one application to be considered for 160+ scholarships. Then, watch your myBC3 email for award updates. 

These awards recognize your hard work in the classroom and beyond.

They're based on:

• Academic performance (such as GPA)
• Leadership, community involvement, or achievements

You don’t need to demonstrate financial need to qualify—just show your strengths.

These scholarships are awarded based on financial need.

To qualify, you must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Need-based awards help make BC3 even more affordable for students and families.

Some scholarships are designed for students in certain majors or programs, including:

• Nursing
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
• Business
• Arts and Humanities

These awards support your educational journey in the field you’re passionate about.

You may be eligible for scholarships based on where you live.

Some awards are for students who are residents of a specific PA county. 

Note: Even if you live outside of Butler County, you may qualify for support.

Thanks to the generosity of BC3 alumni, faculty, local businesses, and community members, the Education Foundation awards over 160 scholarships annually. 

These gifts reflect a deep belief in your future and help students achieve their goals without overwhelming debt.

Endowed 
Established: 1978 
Donor: Family of Daniel & Mary Agnes Heineman 

Daniel C. Heineman Sr. created this scholarship as a Mother's Day Memorial to his wife using Armco stock in 1978. The Scholarship was created to aid students enrolled in the Nursing RN program at BC3. The Heineman children and grandchildren continue to support the scholarship.  

Eligibility:

• Be a Sophomore/Second Year Nurse (208)
• Be enrolled Full Time (9+ credits)
• Have a minimum 3.5 GPA  

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Endowed 
Established: 2015 
Donor: Cranberry Township Community Chest & Butler County Community 
 
The Butler County Volunteer Firefighter Tuition Scholarship was provided through the outstanding fundraising efforts of the Cranberry Township Community Chest (CTCC) and the generous support of the Butler County community.  

Eligibility:

• Be an Active Butler County Volunteer Firefighter or
• Complete the “Entry Level Firefighter Curriculum” and Become a New Butler County Volunteer Firefighter 
• Have a 2.0 minimum GPA or a GED
• Be a Butler County Resident 

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Endowed 
Established: 2024 
Donor: Michael Fitz '00 through explore.org 
 
The Michael T. Fitz '00 Scholarship was established in 2024 through the generosity of BC3 Alumni, Mike Fitz, and explore.org, a philanthropic media organization that globally connects people to nature and animals via webcams. Fitz, who graduated in December 2000, from BC3's Parks & Recreation Management Program, works as the resident naturalist for explore.org. In Mike's own words, "Attending BC3 was one of the best choices I ever made," and he and explore.org look forward to 'paying it forward' by creating this legacy scholarship to support students enrolled in the BC3 Parks & Recreation program.

Eligibility:

• Be enrolled in the Parks & Recreation Management Programs:
• General Option – Executive (307A)
• Park Law Enforcement Option (307C)
• Have a Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Be enrolled at least Part-Time (6+ credits) 

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Endowed 
Established: 2018 
Donor: American Legion Post #778 
 
The American Legion Post 778 in Butler, Pennsylvania, established a scholarship to support active-duty service members and honorably discharged veteran students attending Butler County Community College. Post 778 remains committed to serving the community by supporting local students, veterans, families, and a variety of community programs and initiatives. 
  
Veterans from all branches of the service, including National Guard and Reserves, are eligible to receive the American Legion Post #778 Scholarship.

Eligibility:

• Be an active or honorably discharged veteran
• Have at least a 2.5 GPA
• Be enrolled for at least 6 credits
• Demonstrate financial need 

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Endowed 
Established: 2010 
Donor: BC3 Alumni Council 
  
The BC3 Alumni Legacy Scholarship was established in 2010 by the Alumni Council to support the children and grandchildren of former BC3 students. On average, ten (10) Legacy Scholarships of $500 per student are awarded annually. Four (4) Legacy Scholarships are permanently named for Ray Steffler, Lucille Shapiro, Glenn Miller, and Kathy Sommers for their creation of Council and their 20+ year commitment to the Alumni Program.

Eligibility:

• Be the child or grandchild of a former BC3 student who has earned 30 credits or more at BC3
• Be enrolled at least part-time (6+ credits)
• Provide the name and birth date of the parent or grandparent who attended BC3
• Minimum GPA 3.0

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Endowed 
Established: 2010; Endowed: 2025 
Donor: John & Jean Shaffer and The Estate of Senator Timothy Shaffer   
  
The John ‘Stephen’ Shaffer Memorial Scholarship was originally established in 1967 by Stephen’s parents, John & Jean, when Stephen passed away at the age of 23. Stephen was a member of BC3’s first class in the fall of 1966, enrolled as a business administration major. In 2025, the scholarship was expanded through a generous legacy gift from Stephen’s brother, Former Senator Tim Shaffer. A dedicated advocate for BC3 and the surrounding community, Senator Shaffer and his family's support ensure that this scholarship continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of BC3 students for generations to come.

The President’s Scholars Program covers the cost of tuition for up to 18 credits for students ranked in the top ten percent of their graduating class at a public Butler County high school. The recipient is responsible for all other educational costs associated with their attendance at Butler County Community College. As a recipient of the John ‘Stephen’ Shaffer Memorial Scholarship to support President’s Scholars students, the student is required to participate in the BC3 Scholars Program. The Shaffer Memorial Scholarship is renewable for four (4) consecutive semesters if the recipient meets the criteria. If the recipient is no longer full-time, declines to participate in the BC3 Scholars program, or their cumulative GPA drops below 3.5; the student forfeits the Shaffer Memorial Scholarship.

Eligibility:

• Be a Current Year High School Graduate ranked in the Top 10% of their class from a Butler County Public High School (Butler, Seneca Valley, Moniteau, Mars, Slippery Rock, Knoch, and Butler County residents who attend Karns City High School and Freeport High School)
• Be a Butler County Resident
• Be an incoming freshman with no earned college credits, except High School Programming/Dual Enrollment/or BC3 Credits
• Be enrolled Full-Time (12+ credits)
• Have a Minimum 3.5 GPA 

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